One of the first things I’m asked is how much does it cost for a portrait of my horse or pet. That’s understandable, as no budget is limitless, and customers need to know what they can expect to achieve for the budget they have. Here are few considerations that I hope will help you narrow down your options to get you a beautiful portrait of your cat, dog, or horse, that won’t break the bank.
Unlike computer-generated prints, all my pet portraits are 100% hand drawn in pastel or pencil just for you and involve many thousands of individual pencil strokes. I work to a very high level of detail to ensure a very realistic portrait, which are sometimes mistaken for photographs. This, naturally, takes a lot of work and a considerable amount of time; and that is what ultimately affects the cost.
Larger portraits take more time to draw and will therefore cost more, and smaller portraits will cost less. Portraits with two or more pets will cost more, partly as they tend to be larger, but also because they are more complex. Likewise, portraits with a complex background, such as this one with lots of long grass, will take much longer to complete, so will be more expensive.
To help give you an idea of what a drawing of your pet will cost, I have provided an outline price guide below. As above, it will vary slightly if we want to make it a specific size or include background elements etc, but I am always happy to discuss in advance and the won’t be any nasty surprises later on.
| Approx. Size | 1 subject | 2 subjects | 3 subjects |
|---|---|---|---|
| A4 (20x30cm/8x12") or 25cm/10" Square | £375 | - | - |
| A3 (30x40cm/12x17") or 35cm/14" Square | £495 | £695 | £895 |
| A2 (40x60cm/17x24") or 50cm/20" Square | £855 | £1055 | £1255 |
My pet and horse portraits are generally supplied unframed (although they are beautifully and securely packaged!) ready for you to discuss your options with a framing professional. Having invested in a piece of original art, I’d always recommend you present it in a good quality frame rather than an off-the-shelf option, and a reputable professional framer will be able to guide you through choosing materials and aligning with your décor.
However, I can also arrange framing if required for UK customers. I use good quality frames that are custom-made for each portrait. This will add to the cost, but will save you the time and some of the cost of getting done yourself. I can provide mockups of how it will look in each design of frame, and will be able to give you a price in advance. Frame prices vary enormously according to size and design, but will generally add £130-£250 to the portrait cost.
When you commission me to draw a portrait of your pet, I will work with you to ensure you own a portrait that you and your family will enjoy for many years to come – long after the purchase price is forgotten. I use only the finest quality materials to help your portrait last a lifetime. I am always happy to discuss your requirements, and my advice and ideas are always free and without obligation.
Find out how to commission a portrait of your pet or horse here.
